Substation to be upgraded

PLANS are moving ahead for the start of construction on a new Cooma substation, with TransGrid energy provider and Cooma-Monaro Shire Council finalising plans for the new site.

The new substation will be built near the existing substation, on the opposite side of the Monaro Highway as you head north to Canberra.

Transgrid anticipate a starting date later this year, with the project set to be completed in 2016.

Laura Stewart, the Community Relations Manager at TransGrid, says everything is almost in place for construction to take place.

"Lots of early work will begin later this year, a local contractor has been engaged," Ms Stewart said.

"Earthwork and initial electrical work will take place first, with only minimal disruption expected for locals."

As the current station approaches the end of its working life, the new facility will continue to serve Cooma, the Monaro and the NSW Far South Coast.

Expected to be approximately 100 metres wide by 100 metres long, the new structure will be located about 90 metres off the Monaro Highway.

TransGrid and local energy distributor Essential Energy currently operate the original substation which was built in 1954. The substation will not be decommissioned; Essential Energy will continue running the existing site.

"The existing structure is operated as a joint venture with Essential Energy, we'll remove our equipment but the site will continue to function."

The station is currently supplied via two 132 kV transmission lines from the Canberra/Williamsdale area and then supplies the lines to Bega and Munyang.

In last week's council meeting on June 10, councillors accepted the transfer of ownership of the unformed Crown Road, adjacent to Memorial Parkway Drive and the site of the new substation.

The road links the Monaro Highway with Yallakool Rd and will provide access to the site.

TransGrid, in conjunction with the Roads and Maritime Services, will construct an intersection with the Monaro Highway and the road.

"We will continue to provide updates for the public," Ms Stewart said.